Those that are long-time fans of Japanese developer duo Chilla’s Art and its array of short, retro horror experiences are in for a treat. There’s a new kid on the block, figuratively speaking, developing and sharing deeply psychological experiences – grounded in reality – that indie horror fans will no doubt rejoice in, and in my experience, grimace at.
This developer is Tokyo-based Serafini Productions, which is currently working on the ongoing BrokenLore horror series; a series that consists of short, atmospheric experiences that have the player exploring the fragile psyche’s of various characters, and/or being witness to various entities from Japanese folklore.
The latest from Serafini Productions is BrokenLore: Don’t Watch, a gruesome and claustrophobic experience about the Hikkikomori; a person who withdraws themselves from society, with no desire to go outside or interact with others face-to-face. Don’t Watch’s protagonist, Shinji, is one such Hikkikomori. It’s clear from the outset, with his apartment floor coated in empty food packaging and overflowing bin bags that his confinement prevents him from disposing of.
Shinji’s contact with society and the outside world is via both his computer and his television, and his phone, where a phone call from his mother makes it clear that Shinji’s parents are the ones bank-rolling his isolated lifestyle. Even on his computer, when a friend reaches out with her concerns about another friend of theirs, Shinji appears to have no interest in the affairs of others. He simply wants to eat his pizza and watch his television, which is something we can all no doubt relate to, but is something our protagonist has taken to unhealthy extremes.
Soon, however, Shinji’s parents reach a breaking point, and as a result, so does Shinji. Piece by piece, and very quickly in this short 1-2 hour experience (depending on how many endings you seek out), Shinji’s carefully curated self-isolation is torn down. His parents no longer want him to live like this, and refuse to fund it, and with his fellow Hikkikomori acquaintances – whom he speaks to via his computer – starting to meet unpleasant fates, Shinji is forced to face his fears and leave his apartment to seek answers, and with some luck, safety from whatever force has decided to come for him and people like him: the Hikkikomori.
In this introduction to Shinji and his withdrawal from society, things get weird, but it’s in the latter half of the game that you’ll find yourself being tested; this is where Serafini Productions forces Shinji to acknowledge his lifestyle and the threat being posed to his existing albeit fragile relationships. This is all Shinji has left, and he can either make a change – saving those around him and thus, himself – or he can keep going in circles, remaining trapped in his apartment in a P.T.-like cycle indefinitely while his only remaining semblances of connection and stability are stripped from him.
I don’t want to spoil what comes next, as it’s best seen for yourself, but Shinji’s world ultimately transforms and he’s forced to come face to face with his fears, and look directly at what his life could have and could still be. What ensues is run-ins with some fascinating monster designs, – albeit those with trypophobia may want to keep their eyes closed – and some very visceral gameplay that isn’t for the faint-hearted.
For those who don’t necessarily have hours to sink into spooky experiences, or are concerned their heart might give out in that time, BrokenLore is a great place to get your horror fix, with both LOW and Don’t Watch lasting around an hour in length; more or less depending on how many secrets or endings you try to seek out.
BrokenLore is especially for those who fancy something horrific that is a little more rooted in real-life experiences, such as social isolation, bullying (which is what upcoming BrokenLore title, UNFOLLOW, looks to tackle), and self-identity. It intertwines these all-real topics with sinister goings-on and profane creatures, giving you just a glimpse at the turmoil these characters are experiencing. Can you be the one to help them face their fears?